Jesus' Church, Jesus' body

Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | May 30, 2023 | Matthew 16:15-20

KEY VERSE:

And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Matthew 16:18 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

The church is built on the revelation that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. This knowledge that was revealed through Peter, forms the foundation of the church. A songwriter captures this in the song “the church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Jesus said to Peter, that, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” The church belongs to Jesus, in fact, the Bible said it is His body and He (Jesus) is the Head of the church. All the members of Jesus’ body, therefore, belong to him. The church belongs to Jesus and He guards and protects it jealously because He paid with His blood to acquire its freedom. So, when Paul persecuted the church, Jesus asked him on the road to Damascus, why are you persecuting Me? The church is indeed His body and anything that fights against or tries to destroy the church is fighting against Jesus Christ Himself.

The church - the Ekklasia, is the people who have been called out of the world by the Gospel of Christ. Any opposition against Jesus’ church cannot stand, and anyone who takes a stand against the church of Jesus Christ cannot prevail over the Church. For He said “I will build My church and the gates of Hades (all opposition, all attacks, all demonic agent activities, and all the forces of Hell) will not prevail against it.

FEET AND HANDS OF THE MESSAGE:

Is the church facing challenges and difficult times? Are there many oppositions revolting against the church? Are the storms threatening to destroy the church? Just remember and acknowledge that it is not your church, it is Jesus’ body, and He has vowed to build His church and defend it from all the powers of Hell. Be rest assured.

Do you find yourself becoming a stumbling block against Jesus’ church? Are you in one way or the other opposing Jesus’ church? Note that He is jealous of His Body (The Church) and will contend with whatever or whoever contends with The Church. Be guided.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, I praise you, for finding me worthy to be part of your body. Help me in my dealings, to promote the growth of your church and not to fight against it. For your dear name’s sake. Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!